Airbus UK is responsible for the design and manufacture of wings for the company's entire family of aircraft. In order to maintain the highest production standards, attention to detail is essential and demands lighting of the highest quality.

The existing SON luminaires in the massive wing production building were nearing the end of their design life, with illumination levels typically down to about 300 lux. Airbus therefore decided to begin the process of upgrading the lighting and decided to use products from Cooper Lighting and Security's Crompton range because of their outstanding quality and competitive pricing.

Crompton Pacemaker high-bay luminaires fitted with 400W metal halide lamps, for good colour rendition, were chosen for the open wing production areas. The luminaires were specially modified to include an 11-minute timed ignitor, which provides additional protection for the control gear in the event of lamp failure.

After installation of the Pacemaker luminaires had been completed, light level measurements revealed that the average light level on the production floor had increased by 80% to 540 lux, therefore comfortably meeting the design brief of 500 lux. This was achieved using two fewer luminaires in each row, thereby reducing energy costs. As a result, Airbus was delighted with the combination of improved energy efficiency and higher illumination levels.

The wing assembly work takes place in huge, specially designed jigs. For these areas, Cooper supplied Crompton Tufflite fluorescent luminaires. Robustly constructed, with a GRP body and polycarbonate lens, the luminaires are ideal for use in vulnerable locations and damp environments. Sometimes installed quite close to working areas on the jigs, the Tufflites were chosen primarily on this occasion for their high impact resistance and their ability to withstand the general rigours of the production environment.

Over 2,500 Tufflites have now been installed on different jigs in different buildings at Broughton and, with very few technical problems reported, they have proved to be extremely reliable.

All of the Crompton Lighting fluorescent luminaires were supplied with high-frequency control gear to minimise flicker and maximise both energy efficiency and lamp life, in line with Airbus policy.